THE current political developments in Bangladesh, where a student-led uprising resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, signal a potentially transformative moment for the region. The movement has not only toppled a longstanding government but has also reignited discussion on the potential for an ‘Asian Spring,’ akin to the Arab Spring that swept across the Middle East and North Africa a decade ago. The parallels between the two are compelling, particularly in how grassroots discontent and youth-driven movements challenge entrenched political power.
The student protests in Bangladesh erupted in response to the controversial quota system for government jobs, which reserved positions for descendants of 1971 war veterans, a policy seen as favouring Sheikh Hasina’s political base. Discontent among students, representing the country’s growing youth population, intensified when their peaceful protests faced violence from ruling party supporters and a harsh police crackdown. These protests highlighted deep frustrations over unemployment and perceived governmental corruption. The Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate the quota system, despite its suspension after 2018 protests, was the tipping point, leading to widespread demonstrations and Hasina’s resignation.
The Bangladesh protests bear striking similarities to the Arab Spring, particularly in how both movements were fuelled by young people using social media to organize and amplify their voices. In both cases, the youth were disillusioned with the existing political order, characterized by corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation. The use of social media platforms in Bangladesh allowed protesters to mobilize rapidly, coordinate nationwide strikes, and share the brutal responses of the government forces with the world. This digital connectivity not only unified the protesters but also drew international attention to their cause, further pressuring the government. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, a leader who had ruled for 15 years with an iron grip, marks a significant victory for this youth movement and sets a precedent for other countries in the region.
The success of the Bangladesh student movement has the potential to inspire similar uprisings across South Asia. Countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also grappling with issues of unemployment, corruption and authoritarian tendencies, all of which resonate with the conditions that sparked the protests in Bangladesh. The youth in these countries, similarly disillusioned with their governments, may see the events in Bangladesh as a blueprint for challenging their own leaders. Moreover, the involvement of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of an interim government in Bangladesh adds a layer of legitimacy to the movement, making it an even more powerful example for the region. Yunus, known for his work in poverty alleviation through microfinance, symbolizes a break from the traditional political elite and represents the kind of leadership that many in South Asia yearn for.
In Pakistan, several fault lines could potentially lead to a student-driven movement similar to the one seen in Bangladesh. The country is currently facing a host of issues that have left its youth feeling disenfranchised and disillusioned. Key among these is the growing unemployment rate, particularly among young graduates who struggle to find meaningful employment despite holding advanced degrees. This economic stagnation is coupled with rising inflation, making it increasingly difficult for young people to envision a stable future. Corruption and nepotism within the political system further exacerbate these frustrations.
The perception that political power is concentrated among a few elite figures, with little regard for citizens’ welfare, resonates strongly with the youth. The lack of transparency, widespread corruption and suppression of dissent have eroded trust in the political system. Recent crackdowns on student unions and protests highlight the growing authoritarian tendencies within the government, alienating the youth and fuelling a sense of urgency for change. Economic hardship, political corruption and restrictions on freedom create a fertile ground for a student-led movement in Pakistan. A controversial policy decision or incident of police brutality could ignite widespread protests similar to those in Bangladesh, reflecting the broader discontent and desire for reform in the region.
For an ‘Asian Spring’ to emerge, South Asian movements must learn from the Arab Spring’s successes and failures. This involves maintaining unity among diverse opposition groups, avoiding sectarianism and preventing opportunistic leaders or external forces from co-opting the change. While future developments in Bangladesh remain to be seen, the uprising is a significant event in South Asian history, potentially sparking a broader wave of democratic movements. The removal of a long-standing leader by a youth-led movement highlights the power of grassroots activism. For an ‘Asian Spring’ to materialize, addressing governance, corruption and economic inequality is essential. The world will be watching to see if Bangladesh’s change ignites a new era of democracy in South Asia.
—The writer is Assistant Professor in the department of International Relations at NUML.
